Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF)

Introduction to Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence WDXRF

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a non-destructive analytical technique used to obtain elemental information from different types of materials. It is employed in many industries and applications including: cement production, glass production, mining, mineral beneficiation, iron, steel and non-ferrous metals, petroleum and petrochemicals, polymers and related industries, pharmaceuticals, healthcare products and environmental. Spectrometer systems are generally divided into two main groups: wavelength dispersive systems (WDXRF) and energy dispersive systems (EDXRF). The difference between the two lies in the detection system.

​What is WDXRF and how does it work?​

The basic concept of all spectrometers is a radiation source, a sample and a detection system. In WDXRF spectrometers, the X-ray tube acting as a source irradiates a sample directly, and the fluorescence coming from the sample is measured with a wavelength dispersive detection system. The characteristic radiation coming from each individual element can be identified using analyzing crystals which separate the X-rays based on their wavelength, or conversely their energies. Such an analysis can either be done by measuring the X-ray intensity at different wavelengths one after the other (sequential) or in fixed positions, measuring the X-ray intensities at different wavelengths all at the same time (simultaneous). ​